Sarah Ferguson, the British author and former member of the royal family, has remained a fixture in public life long after her divorce from Prince Andrew. Born in London on 15 October 1959, she turned 66 in 2025 and continues to write books, appear in the media, and manage a public identity that has shifted dramatically across decades.
Once known primarily as the Duchess of York — a title she carried through a tumultuous marriage and divorce — Ferguson now navigates a new chapter. In October 2025, after her ex-husband Prince Andrew relinquished his royal titles, she quietly ceased using the courtesy style herself and is once again widely referred to simply as Sarah Ferguson.
Who Is Sarah Ferguson? Biography and Background
Sarah Margaret Ferguson was born into a British aristocratic family, the daughter of Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Barrantes. Her early life included a stint at a Swiss finishing school and work in art galleries and public relations before she entered the royal orbit.
Sarah Margaret Ferguson
15 October 1959 (age 66)
Author, television personality, former royal
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie
- Sarah Ferguson remains an active author and media personality, with more than 60 published books to her name.
- Her income has historically come from book deals, television appearances, and brand partnerships rather than royal allowances.
- She has maintained a close, publicly cordial relationship with her ex-husband Prince Andrew and continues to live with him at Royal Lodge.
- Charity work has been a consistent thread: she founded Children in Crisis and Sarah’s Trust, and served as patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust until 2025.
- Her public image has undergone multiple reinventions — from the tabloid nickname “Fergie” to a respected children’s author and grandmother.
- In 2023 she underwent a mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis and has spoken openly about her recovery.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sarah Margaret Ferguson |
| Born | 15 October 1959 |
| Age | 66 (as of 2026) |
| Children | Princess Beatrice (b. 1988), Princess Eugenie (b. 1990) |
| Marriage | Prince Andrew (1986–1996) |
| Notable Works | ‘HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style’, ‘A Most Intriguing Lady’, ‘Her Heart for a Compass’ |
| Charities Founded | Children in Crisis, Sarah’s Trust |
| Former Patronage | Teenage Cancer Trust (until 2025) |
What Is Sarah Ferguson Doing Now? Latest News and Activities in 2025
The most significant development in Ferguson’s public status occurred in October 2025. When Prince Andrew formally stopped using his HRH style and royal titles, Ferguson followed suit. She no longer styles herself Sarah, Duchess of York, a title she had held since her 1986 marriage.
After Andrew gave up his titles in October 2025, Sarah Ferguson also ceased using the courtesy title Duchess of York. She is now referred to simply as Sarah Ferguson. Wikipedia: Sarah Ferguson
In 2026, media attention turned to a new biography of the House of York by historian Andrew Lownie that reportedly includes renewed scrutiny of Ferguson’s past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The coverage has revived uncomfortable questions about her knowledge and involvement during her marriage to Andrew.
One direct consequence of that renewed scrutiny was the pulping of her latest children’s book. Reports indicate that after the Epstein-related material resurfaced, the publisher decided to withdraw the title from circulation. The Guardian has covered the story alongside other outlets.
A children’s book by Sarah Ferguson was reportedly pulped after renewed attention to her past associations with Jeffrey Epstein. The episode highlights how long-standing controversies continue to affect her public and professional life. People magazine
Despite these challenges, Ferguson continues to maintain an active public presence. Her official Instagram account (@sarahferguson15) offers a curated view of her day-to-day life, including book promotions, family moments, and public appearances.
Who Are Sarah Ferguson’s Daughters and Partner?
The two daughters
Sarah Ferguson has two daughters from her marriage to Prince Andrew: Princess Beatrice (born 8 August 1988) and Princess Eugenie (born 23 March 1990). Both hold royal titles and have married in recent years. Beatrice is married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and the couple have a daughter. Eugenie is married to Jack Brooksbank, with whom she has two sons. Britannica: Sarah Ferguson
Relationship with Prince Andrew
Ferguson and Andrew were married from 23 July 1986 until their divorce was finalised on 30 May 1996. Despite the legal end of their marriage, the pair have remained unusually close. Multiple biographies note that they continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor. People: Who is Sarah Ferguson?
Despite being legally divorced since 1996, Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew still share a home at Royal Lodge. Reports from 2025 confirm they remain co-resident, and Ferguson has described their relationship as that of devoted co-parents and close friends. Unofficial Royalty: Sarah, Duchess of York
Does she have a new partner?
There is no publicly confirmed current romantic partner. The main person associated with her remains her ex-husband Prince Andrew (now Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor). Ferguson has not remarried, and no serious relationship has been publicly reported in recent years.
What Books Has Sarah Ferguson Written?
Sarah Ferguson is a prolific author, with estimates ranging from over 60 to more than 70 published books depending on the source. Her output spans multiple genres, with a strong emphasis on children’s literature. Amazon author page lists dozens of titles alongside her more recent adult fiction and memoir-style works.
Children’s books
The majority of Ferguson’s books are aimed at young readers. She began writing children’s stories in the 1990s and has continued steadily, often drawing on themes of resilience, kindness, and adventure. The Budgie the Helicopter series was among her earliest successes.
Adult fiction and memoirs
In recent years she has turned to historical romance and biographical fiction. Notable titles include ‘Her Heart for a Compass’ (2021), co-written with Marguerite Kaye, and ‘A Most Intriguing Lady’ (2023). She has also published memoir-style works such as ‘HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style’ (2020).
Controversy over a recent book
As noted above, a recently published children’s book faced serious headwinds. Following renewed media attention to Epstein-related associations, the title was pulped — removed from sale and reportedly destroyed by the publisher. The episode reflects the enduring reputational risks attached to her past connections. Marie Claire: Sarah Ferguson 2026
Key Events in Sarah Ferguson’s Life: A Timeline
- 1959 — Born in London to Major Ronald Ferguson and Susan Barrantes.
- 1986 — Marries Prince Andrew and becomes Sarah, Duchess of York.
- 1988 — Birth of first daughter, Princess Beatrice.
- 1990 — Birth of second daughter, Princess Eugenie.
- 1996 — Divorce from Prince Andrew is finalised.
- 2000s — Builds a second career as an author, television personality, and brand spokesperson.
- 2023 — Diagnosed with breast cancer; undergoes successful mastectomy.
- October 2025 — Stops using the Duchess of York title after Prince Andrew relinquishes his royal titles.
- 2026 — Renewed scrutiny over Epstein associations; children’s book pulped.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Sarah Ferguson?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Born 15 October 1959 in London. | Exact current net worth is not publicly audited; estimates vary. |
| Married to Prince Andrew from 1986 to 1996. | Nature of her current relationship with Andrew is described as “close friends” but legal status remains divorced. |
| Two daughters: Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. | Future royal engagements or public roles are unconfirmed. |
| Published author of more than 60 books across multiple genres. | Full scale of her financial independence from the royal family is not documented. |
What Context Explains Sarah Ferguson’s Public Journey?
Ferguson’s public trajectory is one of reinvention. She entered the royal family as a young, vivacious woman and quickly became a tabloid favourite — both celebrated and criticised. The nickname “Fergie”, derived from her maiden name Ferguson, was a media invention that stuck. Town & Country: Fergie facts
After her divorce, she faced significant financial pressure. Without the royal allowance that funds working royals, she turned to commercial ventures: book writing, television presenting, and brand endorsements. Over time, she rebuilt herself as an independent author and media personality, while maintaining close ties to her former husband and their daughters.
That independence, however, has not insulated her from the controversies that continue to surround Prince Andrew. The Epstein-linked scrutiny that resurfaced in 2025–2026 demonstrates that her past associations remain live issues for publishers, the media, and the public.
What Do Key Sources Say About Sarah Ferguson?
“Sarah Ferguson was born on 15 October 1959 in London, England. She is known for her marriage to Prince Andrew and her subsequent career as an author and television personality.”
— Wikipedia: Sarah Ferguson
“Despite their divorce in 1996, Sarah and Andrew remain close and live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor. They have described themselves as the ‘happiest divorced couple in the world’.”
— Unofficial Royalty
“Ferguson’s books include children’s titles, memoirs, and historical fiction. She has published more than 70 titles over three decades.”
What Comes Next for Sarah Ferguson?
Looking ahead, Ferguson is expected to continue writing and making selected public appearances. Her role within the royal family remains informal but present — she is still the mother of two princesses and grandmother to their children. The extent to which the renewed Epstein scrutiny will affect her publishing career or public engagements is not yet clear. Observers will be watching for further book announcements and any official royal appearances in the coming months.
For readers interested in other British public figures who have built careers as authors and television personalities, the biography of Reverend Richard Coles – Biography, Books, Music, and TV Career offers a parallel story of reinvention. Similarly, the profile of Agatha Christie – Biography, Books and the Mysterious Disappearance provides context on another prolific British woman author.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarah Ferguson
Why is Sarah Ferguson called Fergie?
The nickname ‘Fergie’ derives from her maiden name, Ferguson. It has been widely used by the British tabloid press since her marriage to Prince Andrew.
Does Sarah Ferguson still use the title Duchess of York?
She stopped using the title in October 2025 after Prince Andrew gave up his royal titles. She is now referred to simply as Sarah Ferguson.
What is Sarah Ferguson’s latest book?
Her most recent published book before the controversy was ‘A Most Intriguing Lady’ (2023), a historical romance. A children’s book released in 2025 was later pulped.
Has Sarah Ferguson had any health issues?
In 2023, she announced a breast cancer diagnosis and underwent a successful mastectomy. She has spoken publicly about her recovery and the importance of regular check-ups.
How many books has Sarah Ferguson written?
Estimates vary depending on the source, but she has published between 60 and 70 books, primarily children’s literature but also memoirs and historical fiction.
Is Sarah Ferguson still married to Prince Andrew?
No. They were divorced in 1996. However, they remain close friends and continue to live together at Royal Lodge in Windsor.
What is Sarah Ferguson’s net worth?
Reliable, audited figures are not publicly available. Celebrity net worth estimates vary widely and no single figure can be responsibly stated from available data.
Does Sarah Ferguson have a new partner?
No publicly confirmed romantic partner has been reported. The main person associated with her remains her ex-husband, Prince Andrew.
What charities is Sarah Ferguson involved with?
She founded Children in Crisis and Sarah’s Trust, and was a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust until 2025. She remains active in philanthropic work.
Where does Sarah Ferguson live?
She resides at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park, a property she shares with her ex-husband Prince Andrew.
James Sutton is Senior Reporter at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering breaking showbiz and entertainment stories. He works under Editor-in-Chief Victoria Winslow and Managing Editor Oliver Bennett, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.